Job Search / Business Creation Residence Permit (RECE)
At the end of your studies or research stay in France, you can apply for a specific residence permit to seek a job or start your own business. This card, valid for one year and not renewable, is an important step toward your professional integration in France.
The Welcome Desk Paris supports international students and researchers throughout this process.
Here you will find clear and practical sheets to understand when, how, and where to apply, and to prepare the next steps of your journey in France.
RECE - STUDENT
Have you just obtained a diploma equivalent to a Master’s degree (or a professional Bachelor’s degree)? You can stay in France for one year after your studies to look for a job or start a business by applying for a RECE card (non-renewable).
⚠️ Important points :
- Algerian students are not eligible for the RECE card.
- Students from certain countries that have signed bilateral agreements with France (Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritius, India, etc.) may apply for a Autorisation Provisoire de séjour (APS) instead.
When and where to apply?
If you live :
- in Paris : Apply online via the Démarches simplifiées website. After review, you will be called to the prefecture with original documents + copies.
- Outside Paris: Apply to your local prefecture. Check its website for the procedure (online or by appointment). The application must be submitted within one year of obtaining the diploma.
Documents to prepare
- Passport + valid student residence permit.
- Diploma (Master’s, equivalent, professional Bachelor’s, or certificate of achievement).
- Proof of address (less than 6 months old).
- Standard ID photo (⚠️ no e-photo).
- Proof of health insurance.
- Since July 2024: signed Republican Values Contract. 👉 On the appointment day: bring both originals and copies.
After submission
- A récépissé is issued, authorizing you to work without any additional permit.
- With the RECE card, you can work full-time if the job is related to your studies and pays at least 1.5 × minimum wage (SMIC) → €2,702.70 gross/month (as of July 2025).
- You will receive an SMS when your card is ready. To collect it:
- Book an appointment online with the prefecture
- Present your passport
- Pay a €75 tax stamp (online purchase)
After the RECE ?
- Before it expires, you m
ust apply for a change of status (“employee”, “talent”, etc.).
💡 Tip: Always check that “authorized to work” is written on your receipt and residence card.
RECE - RESEARCHER
Have you completed your stay in France with a Talent–Researcher residence permit? You can apply for
a RECE residence permit (valid for 1 year, non-renewable) to remain in France and look for a job or start a business.
⚠️ Algerian researchers are not eligible for this residence permit.
Where to apply?
If you live :
- in Paris : Apply online via the Démarches simplifiées platform (documents uploaded in PDF). You will then be called to present originals + copies.
- outside Paris: Check the website of your local prefecture (procedures may vary).
💡 If you do not yet have all required documents, submit a Talent–Researcher renewal on time (between 4 and 2 months before expiry). You will be granted a temporary extension.
Documents to prepare
- Valid Talent–Researcher card or visa.
- Passport (ID page + stamps)
- 3 standard ID photos (⚠️ no e-photo).
- Proof of health insurance.
- Proof of address (< 6 months).
- Certificate of completion of research issued by your French host institution.
- Republican Values Contract (mandatory since 2024).
👉 On the appointment day: bring both originals and copies.
After submission
- A "récépissé" is issued, authorizing immediate employment.
- With the RECE card:
- You may work full-time if related to your research.
- Minimum salary: 1.5 × SMIC (€2,702.70 gross/month in 2025).
- Possibility of combining several contracts.
- You will receive an SMS when the card is ready. To collect it:
- Book an appointment online,
- Present your passport,
- Pay a €75 tax stamp (online purchase).
⚠️ The card must be collected before it expires.
After the RECE ?
- You must apply for a change of status (“talent”, “employee”, “temporary worker”, etc.).
- Family members may renew their Talent–Family permit for the same duration as the RECE card.
